Love is both pleasurable and painful. Joy is the dominant note of the Song, but the reader also is warned that love is a powerful emotion that may bring disappointments (5:2–6:3). The Song’s young woman repeatedly warned her female friends not to hurry love (2:7; 3:5; 8:4). Love has a dangerous side (8:6), and it deserves to be treated with caution

Themes The book of Ezra includes the following themes: 1. God’s sovereignty. God is sovereign over all peoples and rulers, even pagan kings (1:1; 6:22; 7:6,27). He controls history and orchestrates events for his own purposes. Despite opposition, God will fulfill his promises and protect his people. 2. Restoration. Ezra describes not only the resto

Note the writer’s statements about Jewish customs and the explanation that Jesus brought a new covenant (of grace through faith) that is infinitely better than the old one (of obedience to the law). Pay attention to the repeated use of the words “better” and “superior.”

Introduction to Job Author, Place and Date of Writing The author of Job is anonymous. Jewish tradition states that it was written by Moses, but there is nothing in the book itself to suggest Mosaic authorship. Many scholars today wonder whether the work is unified or the product of multiple authors. It has a prose framework (Job 1–2; 42:7–17), with

13Whoever conceals their sinsm does not prosper, but the one who confessesn and renounces them finds mercy.o

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character 102A wife of noble characterk who can find?l She is worth far more than rubies. 11Her husbandm has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.n 12She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.o 14She is like the merchant ships, bringing he

In Jewish tradition Proverbs 31:10–31 is recited by a husband to his wife on Sabbath evenings.

Septuagint (the early Greek translation of the Old Testament)

9If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.i